The first day of Oktoberfest was great! I could not believe how traditional Bavarians are...nearly everyone at the Oktoberfest wore Lederhosen and Drindls and EVERYONE knew the lyrics to all of the Bavarian songs in the tents. Oktoberfest is confused with what we like to think of as just beer halls with 1-liter beers. Of course beer is a big part of it, but it's more of a time where Bavarian people can meet, celebrate their own culture (much different than German at that...they have their own language!), eat well, and enjoy life. There are roller coasters, ferris wheels, swings, and many games for kids and adults alike. The music and the laid back atmosphere makes Oktoberfest a fun day for everyone.
A quick story--I was in one of the "tents" with my Swiss friend looking for a table and finally found one with a group of Americans studying abroad. They seemed nice so we sat down and started talking. My Swiss friend told them he was from Switzerland, and they all thought it was really cool. Because he and I both speak Spanish/German together, the girls thought it was amazing that he was "so talented" and asked him how many languages he spoke. He told them French was his mother tongue and they all asked "Why don't you speak Swedish?" He laughed and thought they were joking but they said "we're serious...". He proceeded to tell a group of 6 other Americans, 2 who study in COPENHAGEN (20 minutes from Sweden) and 4 who study in Italy (Switzerland's border) that Switzerland and Sweden are different countries. It seems like such a trivial thing to write about on this blog, but I think it shines light on a bigger idea that Americans should be more aware of world geography/lifestyles/current events. I understand that some people never want to leave America, but being a global citizen, and especially if you decide to study in Europe, you should be aware of simple things like this. Hopefully I can break the stereotypes of the "dumb American"...but I can't do it alone, and they sure didn't help...
On a last note, the language class is coming to an end. It was a great few weeks learning hundreds of words and getting to know other people who will also study here. After this Saturday, I will have 3 weeks free...no plans, no responsibility, no work. It's great to have this flexibility, and I hope to use it to travel around Germany or maybe to other parts of Europe. I will be sure to blog about the adventures I go on...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Oktoberfest
This week has been very productive. I've met some Germans on my hall, got a bank account, and am wrapping down my language course. The bank I went to in the city center, Deutsche Bank, blows any US bank out of the water. You walk upstairs and are greeted by a well dressed man/woman who gets you a coffee, cappuccino, soft drink and a snack. From there, you just give your passport and address to the person who helps you and in 15 minutes you''ve got an account. It was amazing how efficient the process is and how the bank is a place to "relax" before your appointment.
The city is PACKED with tourists coming from all over the world for tomorrow. What's tomorrow? The celebration of Ludwig's wedding--Oktoberfest. Many Americans are confused by the dates but it was a 2 week celebration before he got married in October. It's turned into one of the world's greatest festivals where you eat Bavarian food and beer, sing, dance, and meet people all day. We "trained" in my language class all day by learning Bavarian songs....Our homework is that we have to go and try them out. I think a group of friends and I wake up tomorrow very early to get a spot and be there for the beginning of das Oktoberfest!
The city is PACKED with tourists coming from all over the world for tomorrow. What's tomorrow? The celebration of Ludwig's wedding--Oktoberfest. Many Americans are confused by the dates but it was a 2 week celebration before he got married in October. It's turned into one of the world's greatest festivals where you eat Bavarian food and beer, sing, dance, and meet people all day. We "trained" in my language class all day by learning Bavarian songs....Our homework is that we have to go and try them out. I think a group of friends and I wake up tomorrow very early to get a spot and be there for the beginning of das Oktoberfest!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Salzburg
It’s been a little less than 2 weeks since I’ve been here in Germany. I’ve had a great time so far, and have already experienced so much. I’ve met people from all around the world, and have already learned so much German. My Dad and I (as I write this) are on our way to Prague, where we will spend a few nights before I go back to Munich for class, and he goes to Sweden to visit my brother and his family. We just came from Salzburg-the home of Mozart, the stage for movies such as the Sound of Music and considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It was a great time…my Dad and I explored a salt mine, took a tram to a 1000 year old castle, and got lost on the side streets of the town.
After Prague, I’ll return to Munich to continue my intensive language studies. I’ve also got to take care of other business such as my Visa, my bank account, and my class schedule. Life here is much different that the US, but I’m adjusting just fine and am having a great time.
A couple tips to people who study/visit in Munich
-You can take the Bayern Ticket anywhere in Bavaria (to Salzburg as well, even though it is in Austria) for just 28 euro. The ticket is good for up to 5 people, meaning that if you split it properly, you are just paying about 6 E to travel around Bavaria and lasts for a 24 hour period. If you arrive to the train station early (around 30 minutes) you can usually find other people who want to share the ticket because they are going to the same place (that is, if you do not have 5 people). Other ideas for the ticket: go to Regensburg (a UNESCO world heritage site), Neuschwanstein (The Cinderella Castle) or Nurnburg. The ticket has some small time restrictions, and don’t allow use of high speed trains.
-The intensive language course website can be found at “vsk-misu.de” or by googling “vsk misu munich”. It is definitely a great way to practice German, meet kids from around the world who will study here, and get used to German life. The class is offered twice a year, around a month before the semester starts.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Lifestyle Differences
After being here for just 5 days, I've noticed a lot of differences in how people live. Most of them are practical things and some of them are annoying for me coming from America.
The Good:
1. Gum is sort of looked down upon as being rude to chew in public (although a few people still do it). You wouldn't believe the difference it makes on how the streets look. I was in NYC before I left for Munich, and the filth on the sidewalks is something you just don't see here.
2. You pay a little bit more for each recyclable bottle you buy (15-75 cents). There are recycle stations in grocery stores and cafeterias where you then recycle the bottles and get your money back. This is awesome because it encourages people to recycle. The homeless go searching on the streets to find the bottles, which in effect, makes the city clean.
3. If there is one elevator in a subway station with no one on it, it will most likely be stopped. The first people that wants to either go up or down steps on a platform in front of the elevator and it starts up. It saves space, energy, and is convenient to either the crowd of people going up to get on the metro, or the crowd who has gotten off to go down.
4. The metro doors only open when you want them to. In DC, the doors are automatically opened whether or not anyone wants on. You have to press a button to open the doors on the metro here because it saves energy and also does not allow the heat/AC to escape.
5. The public transportation is amazing and very efficient. There is a S-Bahn for more suburban zones, U-Bahn for inner city travel, a street tram, and bus system.
The Bad:
1. Don't expect ice in all of your drinks.
2. If you want your still (no carbonation) ask "ohne Kohlensaure"...otherwise you will probably get bubbly water.
3. Bathrooms are definitely not as common as in the States, and most of the "public" bathrooms will have someone waiting outside who cleans the bathrooms and asks for spare change.
4. The hours are awful. A combination of German laws and tradition make stores close really early.
The Good:
1. Gum is sort of looked down upon as being rude to chew in public (although a few people still do it). You wouldn't believe the difference it makes on how the streets look. I was in NYC before I left for Munich, and the filth on the sidewalks is something you just don't see here.
2. You pay a little bit more for each recyclable bottle you buy (15-75 cents). There are recycle stations in grocery stores and cafeterias where you then recycle the bottles and get your money back. This is awesome because it encourages people to recycle. The homeless go searching on the streets to find the bottles, which in effect, makes the city clean.
3. If there is one elevator in a subway station with no one on it, it will most likely be stopped. The first people that wants to either go up or down steps on a platform in front of the elevator and it starts up. It saves space, energy, and is convenient to either the crowd of people going up to get on the metro, or the crowd who has gotten off to go down.
4. The metro doors only open when you want them to. In DC, the doors are automatically opened whether or not anyone wants on. You have to press a button to open the doors on the metro here because it saves energy and also does not allow the heat/AC to escape.
5. The public transportation is amazing and very efficient. There is a S-Bahn for more suburban zones, U-Bahn for inner city travel, a street tram, and bus system.
The Bad:
1. Don't expect ice in all of your drinks.
2. If you want your still (no carbonation) ask "ohne Kohlensaure"...otherwise you will probably get bubbly water.
3. Bathrooms are definitely not as common as in the States, and most of the "public" bathrooms will have someone waiting outside who cleans the bathrooms and asks for spare change.
4. The hours are awful. A combination of German laws and tradition make stores close really early.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
First days in Munich
It's been 2 full days since I've been in Munich. So far, I love the city and the Bavarian people. Some things about Munich make so much sense: you pay a little extra for water but you can return your bottles to recycle them and get some money back. Also, people don't really chew gum as it is rude in public--as much as I thought this "rule" was dumb at first, I appreciate it so much as I walk down the street and don't see any smashed chewed gum. My residence in Studentenstadt is what I expected--a really small room but I cannot complain--we have a bunch of little shops and about 2500 students live in the same Studentenwohnheim (residence) so there is a lot going on always. My language skills have improved a lot over the past two days...but I have definitely faced the fact that German is going to be tough to learn (I will do it though!). My intensive language class runs for 4 hours a day so I think that should help a lot. Other than that, it's been a great experience so far. I'll be sure to write more as my week unfolds.
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